By Jose Garcia (@JoseDGarcia__) — Reporter
San Jose State baseball got its four-game win streak snapped against the Rebels on Thursday, losing 13-12. The Spartans nearly overcame two big deficits but ultimately fell short to UNLV in the series opener.
Giving up six runs in the first inning is not an ideal way of starting a game. The Spartans did just that and dug themselves into a huge hole early.
The Rebels’ bats were on fire in the first inning, with multiple hitters having hard contact against SJSU starter Micky Thompson. A combination of doubles, home runs and singles resulted in UNLV having a big inning.
The Spartans had their work cut out for them.
SJSU responded in the subsequent inning scoring three runs of its own. The lead was cut in half just like that.
The fifth inning was when things got interesting for both teams.
The Spartans continued chipping away at UNLV’s lead with the help of the heart of their order. Hitters nine through three in the batting order all reached, passing the metaphorical baton to the next batter.
The Spartans cashed in five runs in the fifth to put them ahead by two runs. UNLV’s six-run lead had vanished in thin air.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Rebels were quick to get on the board offensively.
Thompson continued to struggle in the fifth inning and was eventually pulled for Darren Jansen. The reliever had issues with command throughout his outing as he hit a batter and committed a wild pitch. The Rebels managed to knot the game at 8.
Jansen’s control remained an issue in the sixth inning as he gave up a pair of walks and a single. Shortly thereafter, Jansen was replaced but SJSU’s bullpen couldn’t come out of the precarious position unscathed. UNLV put up a four-spot in the sixth and led 12-8.
Ever since the fifth, the Spartans offense went quiet in the latter innings. The Rebels tacked on another run in the eighth to extend their lead to a sizable five runs.
With the Spartans batting in the top of the ninth, they needed a miracle to pull off a comeback.
SJSU’s “never say never” attitude was evident in its attempt to do the unthinkable.
The Spartans’ first three batters reached base, loading the bases with no outs. Two outs followed after this, but not before scoring one on a sacrifice fly. SJSU was down to its last out, its chances looked bleak.
Danny Zimmerman came in to pinch hit and doubled, starting the hitting frenzy for SJSU. He flipped the lineup over to the top, with Hamchuk coming to the plate. The lead-off hitter rifled a single, clearing the bases and cutting the lead down to just one. James Shimashita and Charles McAdoo proceeded to get back-to-back singles, loading the bases for Dalton Bowling.
All the pressure was on Bowling to get the big hit and put the Spartans ahead of the Rebels. Bowling skied one to center but the Rebels’ center fielder had plenty of time to camp underneath the ball and make the catch.
The Spartans face the Rebels for game two of the series, Friday at 6:05 p.m.